Written by: Ethan Wall, The Social Media Law Firm
As lawyers, we often have to feel like we are perfect. We carry the weight of our clients struggles on our shoulders, deal with difficult opposing counsel, and unwaveringly manage our work and life responsibilities despite what life throws at us. Many of us learned through law school and our mentors that it was honorable to show no sign of weakness, and to carry on with a straight face no matter the circumstances. But this is an unrealistic expectation that none of us can truly fulfill.
In today’s day and age where we are juggling our practice, our personal lives, our families, and doing so through a pandemic, it’s completely natural for us to feel stressed, anxious, and overwhelmed. Being a lawyer comes with an incredible amount of pressure, and to admit these feelings has long since been seen as a sign of weakness. And so has going to therapy. But guess what, folks? That’s bullshit.
Going to therapy when you feel stressed, anxious, and overwhelmed is just like going to the doctor when you are sick, running a fever, or coughing up a lung. It’s how we are able to understand what we are feeling, process what we are going through, and develop a course of action to address and deal with our symptoms. It’s not only a completely natural and reasonable course of action, but it’s also pretty damn cool.
As someone who runs his own law firm while constantly traveling the world, I can tell you that I experience incredible amounts of stress, anxiety, and feeling overwhelmed. And when I do, I schedule an appointment with my virtual therapist and talk out what I am experiencing. And when I’m done with that call, I feel the weight of the world off my shoulders. I feel better prepared to tackle the challenges before me. And I don’t feel weak for doing so. In fact, I feel like a badass for facing my struggles head on and addressing them.
Going to therapy when you experience difficult challenges in your life isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a sign of strength. To experience the pressures of our practice, yet seek help during the times you need it, demonstrates a level of self-awareness and confidence that helps us become better lawyers, colleagues, and partners to our friends and loved ones.
So, if someone you know or work with suggests that going to therapy is a sign of weakness, ignore them. They are likely close minded, insecure, and prideful. Going to therapy is completely cool, healthy, and a smart way to manage your practice and your life. The Florida Bar has resources available to help you, and if they aren’t the right fit for you, I’d be happy to share with you the virtual therapy that I use while running my practice and traveling full time.
Because going to therapy is cool. And so you are you for considering it.